Standout centre-back Samuel Umtiti agreed to extend his contract with Barcelona by five years on Sunday, ending speculation that he could leave the club.
His new deal runs until June 2023, according to a Barcelona statement.
It likely includes a higher release clause than his previous €60 million, which invited a lot of interest from Europe’s top clubs. Umtiti admitted earlier this year that his clause was low and that “everyone is conscious of that.”
Manchester United was among the teams linked with the French international, but those rumours should die down with the news of Umtiti’s renewal.
The 24-year-old’s performances during the 2017-18 season made it easier for Barcelona to move Javier Mascherano, who was for so long the anchor of the club’s defence.
83% – Barcelona’s La Liga win percentage with Samuel Umtiti starting since he joined the club (W40 D7 L1), compared to 57% without him (W16 D8 L4). Renewal. pic.twitter.com/BGeg6v14zP
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) June 3, 2018
Umtiti joined the Blaugrana in 2016 from Lyon and gained admirers for his confident play, overall tidiness, and strong aerial presence. He played a massive role in the club’s unexpected La Liga …read more